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just curious about this one. and if you do use one, how much did your tunes improve from incorporating the controller?

depends on lots of things, like program etc. I use ableton for multiple purposes and it is impossible to DJ without a controller, and I'm not really sure how'd I'd produce without my axiom (midi keyboard) or drum pads. Honestly if you're serious you need a controller, what kind depends on what you want to do with it.

difference is like night n day, if i do say so myself.

Controllers are definately a good thing, especially if you like recording "organically". Its not the be all and end all but they do help a lot

I've had midi controllers in the past and tbh I found them more distracting than useful. It's up to personal preference though, and if you don't use them then an in-depth knowledge of automation envelopes is definitely required...

I own a few and honestly, I use more mousing than anything - its all about what works for you.

I actually use the "caps lock keyboard" (as used in my track below) within logic to create my melodies. I really want a midi to use for producing & mixing purposes (like what 'wabberjockey' was talking about). Im trying to really peruse this, for now i got my tables . a midi would be great but im on a budget so for now my caps lock is on!! Its really great, i can produce music wherever i am. Caps lock and mousing.

Although i must say, i can go both ways...with the technology now, you can be a professional producer without ever picking up an instrument, which is fantastic, I personally couldn't be happier(i couldnt play an instrument to save my life)...at the same time (not to sound like a snob) its unfortunate that people don't play actual instruments these days, even though new genres emerge that don't require it (most electronic), there's something to be said for the pioneers who paved the road for what we listen to and love today. Whats around the corner? I have no idea but I cant wait!!

produced for about 2 months before going and buyin a midi keyboard. you can come up with more complex fast patterns by just mousing em in (unless your a absolute beast piano player), however just jamming out your own riffs or basslines or whatever on the midi keyboard is far more enjoyable, at least for me. i have no prior piano experience but seem to be improving as i noticed i am coming up with more complex and solid riffs the more i just fuck about with it. id say get it

Nope, never used one...

i've been producing on FL Studio since mmmm.... since like FL7 came out.

i've never had a midi controller, always just used my computer keyboard, and it works fine.

BUT, im REALLY looking forward to getting one this one month, i've never had or played around with one, but i just "know" that it's going to speed my process and creativity through the roof.

so much easier to tap out a melody while recording and then quantize, as opposed to trying to figure out which key is which key on the keyboard and then go thru and draw each note in individually... ect ect.

also looking to get an MPC here soon as well for the same reason

wayoftheworld wrote:just curious about this one. and if you do use one, how much did your tunes improve from incorporating the controller?

I've never had one, really need to sort it out

I have used one but personally I prefer to just draw everything in with my mouse.I find a keyboard more distracting than anything although I have found one useful just for previewing patches.

I did not use a controller for the first 2 years of producing, then I finally got one. I really liked it as I find it much easier to come up with melodies and shit. Also when programming a synth its handy, i never liked going from synth to sequencer or making a drone note. This way I can come up with melodies during the programming of the synth .

After years of not having any I picked up I couple of controllers and used them for about a year then went back to my old ways of using the computer keyboard and mouse. I found that even with the controllers I still went back and had to make changes with the mouse. So for me it's just a lot easier and faster to draw in all of the automation with the mouse. Same for bass lines and all of that.

I'm producing about 15 months or so now and got a midi keyboard around 8 months ago. Like mentioned by a few people here, I also like writing in midi with the mouse. I know i should use the keyboard more but I feel a little more comfortable working this way.

What works for you is the most important thing at the end of the day. There is no right or wrong way to make music.

for me i don't use one well am not use to using one LOL but i also have one...

well 1st yr i got into production i never had one and got use to it...
but the last 6months i've had one but i been use not having one so i never use mine but i really need to get the hang of it cause my melodies is really crap
LOL don't know if any of that made sence..

so i have a key-board but never use it..

i pretty much just use the space bar and the mouse..

For the first 4 or 5 years, I only used samples (no soft synths)...

and even when I did get around to buying an Oxy8.. it was primarily for live gigs rather than production.

I have used it with soft synths pretty solidly for the past couple years though.

Producing since '99 with FL and haven't used any controllers until recently. I have an MPD32 that I like using for banging out drums quick and for automation and mixing. Also have a Casio CTK-591that I use for bass, keys, and such. I think a keyboard controller is only good if you actually know how to play keys and that's the main reason I never bothered using one. If you know how to play instruments, then controllers will definitely help you get ideas out quicker...if you don't then it's easier to work with the mouse and look at the grid with notes and use the tools to have FL do chords and shit for you.

In reason i usually use my midi keyboard to hear sounds when im creating a patch but when i actually go to make the tune i usually draw it in after playing it to myself on the keyboard, i just find it quicker than having to quantize it all if i played it in a bit dodgy

i sit and write all melodies and rhythms with my mouse. i have only little knowledge with a keyboard id spend more time fucking around on it than making real music